THE STRESS OF ULTRASOUND SCHOOL & HOW TO MANAGE IT
Things You Can Do To Reduce Your Stress & Stay Focused On Your Ultrasound Career Path
If you have made the time and financial commitment to complete an ultrasound program, it likely means you deeply care about succeeding. Because you want to succeed, it is easy put pressure on yourself to achieve high test scores and go above and beyond in the classroom.
Many students simultaneously juggle the pressures of classwork, externship, jobs, and maintaining a household. Ultrasound school can be demanding, physically and mentally. While it is important to master your craft, it is equally as important to take the necessary steps to care for your mental health.
THE STRESS RESPONSE
The stress response in your body releases cortisol, an inflammatory hormone, into your blood stream. Too much cortisol can wreak havoc on the rest of your body systems and organs. Too much inflammation is never a good thing and can ultimately lead to disease; however, the good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce stress, and in turn reduce inflammation in your body. Here are five tips to managing stress during ultrasound school.
TIP #1. GET ORGANIZED & MAKE A PLAN
The saying “fail to plan, plan to fail” is true when it comes to successfully operating what feels like a very full plate of responsibilities. Making a plan and sticking to it is the single most effective thing you can do for yourself when it comes to managing a busy schedule.
Studies show that you are more likely to follow through when you write down a plan.
You can get a physical planner, or an app on your phone if you prefer a tech option, and schedule all due dates.
You could even schedule when you plan to study so that it isn’t an afterthought
TIP #2. SCHEDULE BREAKS LIKE TASKS
In order to prioritize recovery, schedule breaks the same way you schedule tasks. Although we live in a very demanding society, our bodies were not meant to be in a constant state of fight or flight and need time to recover. When you schedule downtime, your brain sees it as a priority which means you are more likely to follow through with the plan.
TIP#3. FIND A MENTOR & ASK QUESTIONS
Finding someone who has already gone through ultrasound school and can empathize with what you are going through is going to be key to completing a demanding program. Find a person who is willing to help you and don’t be afraid to ask questions, as they likely have several tips and tricks of their own that they developed that might be applicable to your learning style. To some, asking for help can feel like placing a burden on others; however, remember those who have already walked in your shoes likely want to help make it easier for you.
TIP#4. UNDERSTAND YOUR LEARNING STYLE & HABITS
Spend the time understanding your learning style and study habits before the program starts so that you aren’t wasting time trying to figure it out when you have a big test to prepare for. Although a strong educator will be able to reach multiple learning styles, that isn’t guaranteed, and you should be able to communicate what you need to your instructor.
TIP#5. SHOW YOURSELF SOME GRACE
Remember that you are human and imperfect. In order to be really great at something, it likely takes being really bad at something in the beginning in order to develop these skills. Confidence is a muscle and needs to be worked each day in order to grow.
For more information, visit https://www.cure.edu